The Federal High Court in Abuja has denied bail to four individuals accused of having links to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji.
In his ruling on Friday, Justice Emeka Nwite sided with the prosecution, represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation, who argued that releasing the defendants would threaten national security.
On December 23, 2024, the court ordered the four suspects to be held at Kuje Correctional Centre after they pleaded not guilty to an 11-count terrorism charge.
The accused—Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu (also known as Doctor), Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma—denied all allegations when the charges were read to them.
The case, filed on December 16, 2024, initially named eight defendants. However, only four appeared in court, as Turji and three others remain at large.
Prosecutors alleged that between 2018 and 2022, the defendants conspired in Sokoto State to provide resources to terrorist groups. They were accused of supplying banned substances, food, military and police uniforms, and construction materials to terrorist camps in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna states.
Court documents further claimed that in 2021, the defendants facilitated the purchase of a military gun truck from Libya for N28.5 million, which was allegedly delivered to a terrorist leader, Kachalla Halilu.
The charges are based on sections 17 and 18(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013, which prescribes penalties for such offences.
During an earlier hearing, government counsel David Kaswe opposed granting bail, arguing that the defendants could flee. He also claimed there was substantial evidence linking them to terrorist activities allegedly led by Turji in northern Nigeria.
Kaswe emphasized that bail is not an absolute right, particularly in cases concerning national security. He further noted that some of the accused, including Turji, were still on the run.
He added, “Among them is the sixth defendant, Bello Turji, who remains a serious threat to innocent citizens and national security.”
Justice Nwite upheld the prosecution’s arguments, stating that while bail is at the court’s discretion, it must be granted with caution. He, therefore, denied the bail requests and ordered an expedited trial.
Additionally, the judge approved a motion by Kaswe to ensure the protection of witnesses during the proceedings.
